FIA confirms 2015 running order change

The FIA has today confirmed changes to WRC running order regulations for 2015, after they were ratified by the members of the World Motor Sport Council.

Next year’s running order will be in Championship order for Friday and Saturday, followed by reverse rally classification order on Sunday. P1 and P2 drivers who have retired will restart the subsequent day/s at the front of this group.

The change means that the championship-leading driver must run first on the road on the opening two days of every rally. The present system puts the championship leader first on day one only, before the order is reversed for subsequent days.

Rallies will continue to be organised over two and half days, from Friday to Sunday, with a minimum of 300 kilometres of special stages. A ceremonial start or super special stage can be organised on Thursday.

An FIA statement said rally organisers would also be encouraged to ensure their event had ‘unique qualities, new and longer stages to help create closer competition and fresh opportunities for the media.’